What are Bare Root Plants?
Bare root plants are plants that are sold and shipped without soil, stored in a dormant state with their roots exposed. Bare root plants are typically sold and planted in the winter and early spring before the growing season when the plants are in their dormant state. Bare root plants are usually cheaper than their container-grown counterparts, and they can be a great way to save money when starting a garden.
Benefits of Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants have several benefits for gardeners. They are often cheaper than container-grown plants and are easy to transport and store. The roots of bare root plants are also more resistant to damage from handling since they are not bound up in a pot. Additionally, they tend to establish better in the soil than container-grown plants, since they are not bound up in a pot or root ball.
Care and Handling of Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants need to be handled with care. Once the plants are received, they should be removed from their packaging and inspected for any signs of damage. If any damaged roots are found, they should be trimmed off with a sharp knife or scissors. The plants should then be soaked in lukewarm water for several hours before planting.
Before planting, the soil should be prepared by adding a layer of organic matter such as compost or aged manure. The plants should then be planted at the same depth as they were previously growing, making sure that their roots are spread out evenly in the soil. The soil should be firmed around the roots to ensure good contact with the soil.
Once planted, the plants should be watered thoroughly and mulched. Mulch helps to keep the soil moist and helps to prevent weeds from growing.
Conclusion
Bare root plants are a great way to save money and are easy to transport and store. They require a bit of extra care when handling and planting, but the benefits of bare root plants make them a great choice for gardeners. With the right care and handling, bare root plants can be a great addition to any garden.
